Audio Video

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Do you have a bunch of VHS tapes that you’ve been slowly replacing with DVDs over the past few years? Or perhaps you’ve simply decided not to spend the money to replace them but just try to keep that VHS player humming along?

One cost-effective alternative is to get a VHS to DVD converter and do it yourself.

If you have more than 10 or so VHS tapes, it will pay for itself.

While you may have seen some of these or other similar products on gadget blogs, we’ve decided to put together a list of top choices for you. Here are 4 such products:

#4. Plextor ConvertX Digital Video Converter – Plextor’s ConvertX box converts your VHS tapes into DixV or MPEG-4 on your computer, after which you can burn it to DVD. You don’t have to burn it to DVD if you don’t want to. The ConvertX box plugs into your computer and also comes with software. Its built-in compression software allows you to store 2 hours of video on a CD, or 10 hours on a DVD. Costs about $55.

3. CopyThis! Digital Video Enhancer – The CopyThis converter can enhance the quality of your VHS tapes during conversion. The enhancement features include noise reduction to improve picture quality as well as turningthe movies into black and white! Unfortunately, this product is no longer made, but you may be able to find one on eBay.

2. Honestech’s VHS to DVD 3.0 Deluxe – This is also a converter box and it is able to convert practically any analog source into a myriad of digital formats. The included software is quite simple to use and has 2 modes: advanced and beginner. In beginner mode, a few mouse clicks will get you started converting VHS tape to a DVD.

There are advanced features like video editing. VHS to DVD is a good value for the money and easy to get started with. VHS to DVD costs approx $50. You can read a full review of VHS to DVD 3.0 Deluxe here.

1. Panasonic DMR-EZxxx DVD & VHS Recorders – Panasonic is one of the vendors that decided to simply bridge both formats by having a device that plays (and records)both! As it has slots for both, it also allows to record from one format to the other. As opposed to the other 3 units, this does not have a software component, and it does playback as well, including for example, JPG files from an SD card. It can even upscale to 1080p. We’ve decided to rank this number one for its slew of features, but unfortunately it does have a price tag to match (about $170).

You can find the Plextor, Honestech and Panasonic products easily on your gadget shopping hunts.

This is a beautiful and elegant set with excellent build quality, from quality manufacturer. Samsung’s 550 Series is a perfect way to step up to 1080p resolution and full HD.

A dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1 produces deep blacks and crisp lines (15,000:1 in 32-inch and 37-inch models) and a fast 5 ms response rate produces smooth-motion scenes for fast moving sequences.3 HDMI and a USB port with unbelievable connectivity and networking .All of your other electronics will work well with these HDTVs due to 3 ports with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC). With our Wiselink® USB connection, you can easily and quickly hook up your MP3 player or digital camera and entertain family and friends with a photo slideshow set to music.

The Technical Details are as follows:-

* Full HD 1080p Resolution

* Wide Color Enhancer

* 3 HDMI Inputs

* USB 2.0

* HDMI-CDC

Key Features:-

• New – 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio: up from 15,000:1 on 2007 models (15,000 on 32-inch and 37-inch models)
• New – Fast 5ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal
• 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment
• Full 1080p HD
• 3 HDMI 1.3 ports: Simplay compliant
• USB 2.0 port: connect devices directly to your your MP3 player or digital camera and entertain family and friends with a photo slideshow set to music.
• DNIe Digital Natural Image Engine improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, and white balance
• Wide Color Enhancer technology and Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) offer a wider color range
• Hidden speakers with SRS TruSurround XT audio
• Picture-in-Picture (PIP) enables convenient simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC sources
• V-Chip system allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content.
• Variable sleep timer to turn the TV off in varying time intervals.
• Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French.
• Swivel stand included
• Auto wall mount compatible: 3-dimensional operation via TV’s remote control; no external IR receiver required.
• 1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), with in-home service, backed by Samsung toll-free support

Do not delay order this state-of-the-art product from amazon.com, who provide excellent customer service and you also have the assurance of buying from a reputable supplier.